First wave of Idaho small-business coronavirus grants awarded. See who got the money
The state of Idaho has handed out $16.3 million in grants to small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and the smallest of those have reaped the biggest benefit so far.
The money comes from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, part of the funding approved by Congress for coronavirus relief. Idaho Gov. Brad Little set aside $300 million for equipment, inventory, personal protective equipment, rent and utilities.
Eighty-five percent of the money handed out, $13.9 million, has gone to companies with only one to five employees. Companies with six to 10 employees received $1.8 million, or 11.1%.
Applicants could seek up to $10,000 in any or all of the categories. If a business already received a Paycheck Protection Program loan issued through the Small Business Administration, insurance compensation or other federal assistance less than $10,000, the grant was lowered by that amount.
The largest percentage of grants, 15.2%, or $2.5 million, went to businesses that wanted to cover expenses in all five categories.
The first wave of applications, accepted starting May 11, was for companies with one to 19 employees. On Sunday, businesses with between 20 and 50 employees could apply. Applications from self-employed businesses that make up at least 50% of an individual’s income will be accepted beginning May 27. Self-employed individuals can receive up to $7,500.
“Expanding this resource to self-employed business owners should help them get back on their feet and relieve some of the financial loss brought about by this unexpected and unwelcome virus,” Little said in a news release.
Grants are being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the money is depleted or by July 17, whichever occurs first.
Businesses in Ada County have received the most grants, 570. Canyon County was second with 187, followed by Kootenai County (132), Twin Falls County (104) and Bonneville County (102).
Among those who received $10,000 were House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, who operates a farm and ranch, and former Idaho Attorney General David Leroy, who has a law office in Boise.
Others who received the full amount covered a range of businesses, from Amigos Restaurant to Carniceria Coalcoman butcher shop and grocery to Idaho Camera, all in Boise; DL Homes Transportation in Emmett; and American Pride Concrete in Caldwell.
Not every business sought the full $10,000. Belmont Barbershop of Boise received $5,900. Boise’s Bucksnort Beverage Co. received $5,200. Abbott’s Vacuum Center in Nampa received $2,994.
Blakely Property Management of Boise received one of the smallest grants, $100, to help pay for rent and utilities. Uronit LLC of New Meadows, listed as a food and accommodations provider, received the smallest amount, $1.
This story was originally published May 20, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
